The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)’s two-day summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, was notable for the united positions it projected in spite of the diverse political, economic, and security interests of the constituent members. The Bishkek Declaration reflected shared interests arising from a sense of territorial contiguity and an awareness of common challenges and possibilities. Its condemnation of the United States-Israel war on Iran is significant, not only for the support it extends to Iran, a member of the group, but also for its strong messaging against the Donald Trump administration. India joining the other members in this position is an important development. Members strongly criticised Western sanctions that violated the United Nations Charter. The Declaration also underlined the rights of all countries to pursue peaceful nuclear programmes.
At the summit, members chose a broadly accommodative approach on some of the polarising issues. The Declaration expressed the grouping’s commitment to fight terrorism, including cross-border transgressions. This reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to dismantle terror infrastructure and end double standards in handling the issue. His words were aimed at Pakistan, which signed the declaration after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that his country, too, was a victim of terrorism. The summit underlined the role of China as the leader of the Global South and an evolving multipolar world. President Xi Jinping called upon the member states to support multilateralism and contribute towards reforming global governance. Xi’s words and China’s positions are seen as providing direction to a world order that has a diminished role for the US. These developments align with China’s continuing efforts to shape a yuan-based international system and Russia’s moves to de-dollarise trade.
Since its origins as a security-oriented organisation, the SCO has widened its scope, now covering economic cooperation, trade, and infrastructure. The Bishkek Declaration has called for industrial cooperation and the development of transport corridors, multimodal connectivity, digital commerce, and national currency settlements. The idea of a transport corridor connecting South Asia to Europe through Central Asia has immense potential. India’s continuing focus on the Central Asian region draws on economic and security objectives. Before attending the summit, Modi visited Uzbekistan, where an agreement was firmed up for the long-term supply of uranium and critical minerals to India. The two countries have upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership and expanded their trade and economic relations. India’s increasing engagement with the SCO members marks an important turn in the shifting geopolitical environment. (Source: DH)
